15 People Report ‘Violently Throwing Up’ and Other Norovirus Symptoms After Dining at Buffet Restaurant

Public health officials in New Zealand are currently investigating a possible outbreak of norovirus linked to a buffet restaurant in Auckland. Reports indicate that several customers experienced severe gastrointestinal symptoms after dining at Valentines in Manukau on June 12.

Fifteen individuals have thus far reported health issues consistent with norovirus after their meals, according to the National Public Health Service. Dr. Li-Wern Yim, a medical officer in the northern region, confirmed that all affected patrons had visited the establishment on the same night. “Public health has been notified of a gastroenteritis outbreak related to the restaurant,” Dr. Yim stated, emphasising that further investigations are ongoing to discern the source of the illness.

Following the incident, numerous customers took to online platforms to share their unsettling experiences. One patron noted that just 24 hours after dining at Valentines, everyone in their party began to experience violent symptoms similar to food poisoning. “Worst food poisoning symptoms I have ever experienced,” they lamented. They highlighted that members of their group came from different households, further indicating the possibility of cross-contamination.

Another affected individual recounted a harrowing episode involving their family after the dinner. The first symptoms appeared within days, with vomiting and diarrhoea affecting multiple family members. They mentioned reaching out to Health New Zealand and learning that others had lodged similar complaints regarding their dining experience on the same night.

Norovirus is known for its high contagion potential, typically spreading through close contact or contaminated surfaces. The Cleveland Clinic underscores that symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, usually manifest within 12 to 48 hours post-exposure. While distressing, the illness generally lasts for a few days.

Following reports of the outbreak, the Auckland Council, alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), conducted an inspection at Valentines on June 18. However, Veronica Lee-Thompson, a manager with the Auckland Council, reported to the New Zealand Herald that no food safety issues were uncovered during their assessment. As a result, the restaurant’s food safety rating remained unaffected.

The management team at Valentines responded to the ongoing situation, stating that they were informed by health authorities about the potential outbreak. They clarified that they had fully cooperated with the inspection process, which assessed food handling and cleanliness standards. In their statement, the restaurant relayed that staff members, who frequently consume the buffet during breaks, had not reported any symptoms of illness.

Valentines further disclosed that it had received just two complaints connected to the outbreak and had served over a thousand customers since the incident occurred without any further reports of food poisoning. They expressed commitment to prioritising food quality and customer satisfaction, as well as adhering to established procedures for addressing customer grievances.

Interestingly, Valentine’s management responded to online reviews, asserting that authorities collected samples from afflicted diners and confirmed norovirus rather than food poisoning as the cause of the illness. The restaurant maintained a firm stance, stating that no deficiencies were identified during a surprise visit from health inspectors, reiterating that the investigation into the source of the virus is still active.

Mike Inglis, acting deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety, indicated that the agency is collaborating with the implicated restaurant, the Auckland Council, and the National Public Health Service to determine the source of the reported illnesses. He noted, “We are working with the business to put in place any necessary corrective measures.”

As authorities continue their investigation, Valentines and the public health officials remain poised to update the community on any developments surrounding this potential outbreak. While the restaurant maintains its commitment to food safety and customer care, patrons are advised to remain vigilant about their health and report any related symptoms to health authorities.